Should I worry about my lack of withholding?
August 19, 2011
From: Krystal
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009
Last year my company took about $16 - $26 out of each paycheck for federal taxes. This year, they haven't taken any withholding except for a bonus check. When I asked about it, they said that it was due to the federal stimulus package. Is this true? I am a single mom and scared to death I'm going to owe the IRS a ton of money at the end of the year.
Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated!
Answer
Date: 8 May 2009
Hello Krystal,
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, enacted last February, includes the Making Work Pay Credit. The credit is the lesser of 6.2% of earned income or $400 ($800 for joint filers.) Instead of issuing checks, the new credit was implemented by reducing payroll tax withholding, effective April 1, 2009.
Probably your withholding is OK if you have similar facts and are claiming the same exemptions as last year. If you're really uncomfortable, you can ask your employer to withhold some additional tax by submitting another Form W-4.
Good luck!
Mike Gray
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